Human Rights Based Approach: Assessing Results
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© UNICEF/Armenia/A. Nersissyan |
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Representatives from governmental agencies and NGOs gathered together in Vanadzor (Lori marz) to discuss results achieved in implementation of Human Rights Based Approach to programming. |
Strengthening the child protection system in Armenia and the Human Rights Based Approach to Programming Vanadzor (Lori marz) 19 May 2006
Sheldon Yett, UNICEF Representative in Armenia
Mr. Kochinyan, distinguished guests, it is an honour to be with you today.
Today, we are here to listen and learn. Some 8 months ago, in September 2005, a memorandum of understanding was signed between Governors office of Lori Marz, UNICEF and the Ministry of Social Issues - laying the foundation for the comprehensive reform of the child protection system in the region.
Since 2004, together with our partners, UNICEF has worked to strengthen the capacities of rights holders to make their claims – and of duty bearers to meet their obligations – this is the foundation of the Human Rights Based Approach.
In discussion with our partners in the Government, and in light of the proven commitment and high capacity of professionals Lori was selected as a pilot marz for the initiative. As a result of the initiative, the professionals within the child protection system articulated a “proposal for change” in response to the weaknesses and failures of the current child protection system.
Two working groups have now developed key documents that, among other things
• Regulate the work of child protection bodies at marz and community levels
• Provide Codes of conduct for the professionals working with children including health care providers, teachers, police and social workers
• Establish complaint mechanisms for child rights violation cases
• Establish accountability, supervision and monitoring mechanisms for child protection structures
• Establish professional guidelines on prevention, identification, registration, referral and follow-up to childhood disability and child rights violation cases; and
• Provide a system for the collection and dissemination of data on children at marz and community levels
The process was carried in several steps through workshops, meetings and data collection exercises throughout the year.
Today the experts from Lori marz will brief us on the outcome of their work. This is important not only for the establishment of a “protective environment” in Lori Marz but beyond.
Their work will serve as a model for other marzes – and will help the Ministry and Marz officials set up similar systems in other regions of the country.
Their work has implications not just for Armenia but for other countries in the CEE/CIS. This model is a first – and the results are being eagerly awaited by our colleagues in other countries.
Congratulations, and we look forward to hearing more.
